Sending ACT® Scores to Colleges for Free
Sending free ACT® score reports allows you to submit your test scores to colleges at no cost. This facility is provided by ACT to help students share their results with schools they're interested in without paying a fee. It's a helpful option for high school students applying to multiple colleges. Using the free ACT score reports option can make the college application process more affordable and efficient.
How Many Free Score Reports Do You Get?
When you register for the ACT, you can choose up to four colleges or scholarship programs to send your scores for free. These are included with your test registration. If you qualify for an ACT fee waiver, you may be eligible to send additional score reports at no cost.
How Long Do You Have to Use Free Sends?
You have until the Thursday following your ACT test date (at 11:59 p.m. Central Time) to use or update your four free score report choices. After this deadline, any score reports you send will require a fee. It's important to finalize where to send ACT scores within this timeframe to avoid additional costs.
Why Your Choice of Free Score Recipients Matters
Choosing the best places to send your ACT score for free is more than just ticking a few boxes, it's a strategic move. It can help you save money and meet application deadlines without the stress of last-minute decisions. Since sending additional scores come with a fee, using your free ACT score reports wisely ensures you're not paying extra down the line. Planning ahead also shows colleges you're serious about applying, which can work in your favor during the admissions process.
While reviewing the best places to send your ACT score for free, ask yourself:
Best Types of Places to Send ACT Scores for Free
If you're wondering where to send ACT scores for maximum impact, start by thinking about your goals. Review and interpret your score report to see how your results align with college admission standards, scholarship eligibility, military program requirements, or early decision timelines. Here's a breakdown of the best types of institutions or programs to prioritize when using your free ACT score reports:
Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Most students use their free ACT score reports to apply to four-year colleges. These schools often use ACT scores for admissions, scholarship decisions, and course placements. Even test-optional schools may consider scores for merit aid or competitive programs, making it worthwhile to include them if your score is strong. Here are a few four-year colleges and universities options:
| College/University | Type | Why Send ACT Scores Here |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | Public, Test-Optional | Offers merit aid based on ACT scores |
| Purdue University | Public, STEM-Focused | Highly selective; ACT can strengthen applications |
| University of Georgia | Public | Considers ACT for admission and scholarship decisions |
| Boston University | Private, Test-Optional | ACT can enhance competitive applications |
| University of Michigan | Public, Selective | ACT score helps in both admissions and honors programs |
State Scholarship Programs and Residency-Based Universities
State-funded scholarships and public universities often base eligibility on ACT scores, especially for in-state residents. Sending your ACT scores early via your free reports can be crucial for unlocking these financial aid opportunities and tuition discounts. Here are a few state scholarship programs options:
| College/State/Institution | Program/Scholarship | Why Send ACT Scores Here |
|---|---|---|
| Florida – Any Public University | Bright Futures Scholarship | ACT required for scholarship eligibility |
| Georgia – Public Colleges | HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarships | ACT benchmarks determine award levels |
| Kentucky – State Schools | Kentucky Educational Excellence | ACT score boosts KEES award amount |
| Louisiana – LSU | TOPS Scholarship Program | ACT required to qualify for aid |
| Texas – UT Austin | Residency-Based Tuition Benefit | Early ACT scores help meet automatic admission thresholds |
Military Academies and ROTC Programs
Military academies and ROTC scholarships are highly competitive and require early ACT score submission. These institutions value academic performance, leadership, and service commitment, making strong ACT scores an essential part of your application. Here are a few military academics and ROTC programs options:
| Institution/Program | Type | Why Send ACT Scores Here |
|---|---|---|
| West Point | U.S. Military Academy | ACT scores required for admission and nomination |
| U.S. Naval Academy | Federal Service Academy | Competitive; early score submission is strongly recommended |
| U.S. Air Force Academy | Federal Service Academy | ACT needed for both academics and nomination packets |
| Army ROTC | Scholarship Program | ACT required for national scholarship competition |
| Navy ROTC | Scholarship Program | ACT score strengthens application for placement and funding |
Colleges with Rolling Admissions or Early Deadlines
Some colleges evaluate applications as they arrive (rolling admissions), while others require early action/decision deadlines. In both cases, sending ACT scores early using your free reports can boost your chance of timely review and early offers of admission or scholarships. Here are a few options:
| Institution/Program | Admissions Type | Why Send ACT Scores Here |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | Rolling Admissions | ACT can speed up admissions and merit aid decisions |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Early Action Available | Strong ACT score improves scholarship consideration |
| University of Pittsburgh | Rolling Admissions | Priority given to early, complete applications |
| Ohio State University | Early Action | ACT scores required by early deadline for full consideration |
| Michigan State University | Rolling Admissions | ACT helps with scholarships and early academic placement |
Looking to boost your score before you send it? A strong ACT score can open more doors, so make sure you're well-prepared. Many students use UWorld's ACT prep resources, which offer realistic practice questions, detailed explanations, and performance tracking to help improve faster and smarter.
ACT Fee Waivers and Extra Free Sends
Students who qualify for the ACT fee waiver receive added benefits beyond just a free test registration. Here's how to send ACT scores to colleges for free using fee waivers:
- Send to More Schools: Fee waiver students can send unlimited ACT score reports to colleges, scholarship agencies, without paying extra.
- No Deadline Stress: Unlike regular free score reports that expire shortly after test day, waived students can send scores for free anytime, even after the test.
- How to Claim: Work with your high school counselor to request a fee waiver code during registration. Once approved, the benefits will automatically apply to your ACT account.
- Maximize Opportunities: Use these extra free ACT score reports to apply broadly to schools, including out-of-state or private colleges.
For a full breakdown of fee waivers, visit our page on ACT fee waiver, eligibility and benefits.
How to Send ACT Scores to Colleges for Free
Sending your ACT scores is easy when done through your MyACT account. Follow these simple steps to understand how to send ACT scores to colleges for free:
- Log in to Your MyACT Account
- Go to ‘Your Test Dates and Scores'
- Click on ‘Send Your Scores'
- Select Up to Four Free Recipients
- Review and Submit Before the Deadline
For detailed information, read our step-by-step guide on How to send ACT scores to colleges.
Tips to Maximize Your Free Score Sends
Make the most of your free ACT score reports by planning ahead and being strategic. Here are five essential tips to help you get the best value out of your free sends:
- Create a College List Early: Finalize a shortlist of colleges or programs before test day so you're ready to select your free score recipients without rushing.
- Research Scholarship Deadlines: Some merit-based scholarships require ACT scores by a specific date. Sending scores early, even to test-optional schools, can help you qualify.
- Include a Mix of Reach, Match, and Safety Schools: Diversify your free score reports to cover a range of colleges. This boosts your chances of both admission and financial aid.
- Use All Four Free Sends (Even If Unsure): It's better to use all four slots than to leave any empty. You can send to programs you're somewhat interested in, there's no cost!
- Avoid Paying for Extra Sends Without a Plan: Don't rush into sending paid reports later. Be strategic during the free window to minimize future fees and re-sends.
Using these tactics helps you identify the best places to send your ACT score for free while saving both time and last-minute hustle.
What to Avoid When Sending ACT Scores for Free
Even though sending ACT scores for free is a great opportunity, making the wrong choices can cost you time, money, or even admission chances. To get the most out of your free score reports, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Randomly Choosing Schools Without Research: Don't waste free score sends on colleges you haven't looked into. Make sure each school fits your academic interests, budget, and goals.
- Missing the Free Send Deadline: Waiting too long means you'll have to pay for each additional report. Mark the Thursday-after-test-date deadline and submit early.
- Sending to Test-Optional Schools Without Strategic Reason: While it's fine to send scores to test-optional schools, only do so if your score strengthens your application or helps with scholarships.
- Ignoring Application or Scholarship Requirements: Some programs require official scores by a certain date. Failing to send scores in time could disqualify you from admission or financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Send your scores to colleges that align with your academic goals, offer strong programs in your area of interest, and where your ACT score supports your application. Prioritize schools with scholarships or early deadlines.
Yes, if your ACT score is strong, it can still enhance your application or help you qualify for merit-based scholarships at test-optional schools.
If you don’t select any recipients by the deadline, your free score report options will expire, and you’ll have to pay to send scores later.
